Dave Bolland sharing a moment with the Stanley Cup and his parents. (Howie Borrow/Hockey Hall of Fame)

Silverware is nothing new to Dave Bolland, Chicago's hardworking centre. In 2005, he and the London Knights went on an unprecedented winning streak that took them to Memorial Cup glory. During the 2005-06 season, as Bolland led the OHL in goals with 57 and was second in points with 130, he helped Canada take gold at the World Junior Championship.

Just 23 years of age when the playoffs began (he turned 24 just four days before the Hawks won the Cup - what a birthday gift!), Dave was in the throes of his fourth NHL season (okay, he played a single game in 2006-07), when Chicago collected the Stanley Cup. Bolland matched 8 goals with 8 assists in 22 post-season games to aid the cause.

Dave's route to the National Hockey League had more twists and turns than an episode of 'Survivor.' "When my Dad emigrated to Canada from Scotland, he basically didn't know anything about hockey," Dave shrugs. "But my uncle and my brother were big into it and I started playing and loved it." Hockey wasn't the only game the Bollands played. They were as adept at lacrosse as they were in hockey.

On Thursday, September 2, the Stanley Cup arrived in Mimico, formerly a municipality but now a neighbourhood just west of Toronto's downtown. Dave Bolland did a series of 'hit and runs' to say hello to the area in which he was raised. was the guest of honour in a Stanley Cup parade through the area.

He made visits to a barber shop, over to the police station, had lunch at a local bakery and then popped into the beer store. Next was a donut shop followed by an Italian restaurant, a gym and photos in front of his grade school.

Bolland took the Stanley Cup to the home of a family friend, and then arrived at his childhood home, where he reminisced about all those early morning practices that led to the NHL and having his name engraved on the greatest trophy in sports.

Dave arrived at Mimico Arena, where he was greeted by a gathering of minor hockey and lacrosse players from the area, who all looked on in awe as Bolland arrived with the Stanley Cup.

And then…the sky opened and the rain began. And not just a gentle, summer rain but a blustery rain backed by strong winds that seemed to cut deep into your cheeks.

The Stanley Cup celebration proceeded anyway. Seated atop an antique fire engine along with several youngsters, Dave waved to family, friends and fans as he was driven through the rain-soaked streets of Mimico.

Arriving at the town square, Bolland climbed down and signed autographs and posed for pictures for two hours.

A quick stop at a local pub and then it was off for dinner at the home of a local politician.

Dave Bolland and the Stanley Cup spent some time at the Blue Goose Tavern. (Howie Borrow/Hockey Hall of Fame)

The final stop of the visit was a stop at a Toronto club called Muzik. Located on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition, the Stanley Cup's visit prompted donations to the Remix Project, a youth program that acts as an arts incubator in Toronto.

The Blackhawks have big plans for Bolland, who helps form an outstanding core along with teammates like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. A fine two-way player, Bolland works hard and skates miles every night, making Coach Q a happy man.

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The Stanley Cup Journal ventures to familiar territory, visiting Scotty Bowman and Hawks' GM Stan Bowman when we next get together. Join us back here on Friday.

Kevin Shea is the Editor of Publications and Online Features for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

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